Alzheimer’s Society launches Christmas appeal so no one in the South East faces dementia alone

A new survey by leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society reveals almost one in three people (30%) in the UK don’t know who lives next door to them

The findings published today highlight a need for stronger community ties, particularly for people living with dementia who are more vulnerable to isolation.

The survey of 2,100 adults across the UK, found that in the South East 33% say they don’t know their neighbours well, and a quarter (25%) say they would feel uncomfortable inviting a person they knew were by themselves to eat Christmas dinner with them.

Over eight in ten of those surveyed 83% overall, believed that people living with dementia and their carers, need more support from everyone and over three quarters (78%) agreed that urgent action is needed - highlighting the importance of support for those affected.

Dementia is caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include memory loss, confusion, problems with language and understanding and changes in behaviour. This can lead people living with symptoms to avoid social interactions and become isolated.

Studies have shown that social isolation can increase a person’s risk of dementia by about 60%. Staying socially connected helps build what’s known as cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to cope with damage such as diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Social interaction can strengthen resilience, reduce stress and boost mood, all of which support brain health.

The charity is asking for support for its appeal – Reimagine Christmas – so that its lifechanging support services are available for the 147,000 plus people living with dementia across the South East, and that no one is left to face the condition alone.

Donations to the appeal will help fund Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line, which connects people affected by dementia or caring for someone with dementia with specially trained Dementia Advisers. Last year, 23,000 people in crisis called the Dementia Support line over the winter period.

Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Christmas is traditionally a time for joy, laughter and creating memories. But for around one million people in the UK living with dementia, the festive season can be a painful reminder of how once familiar traditions become harder to hold onto.

“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with one in three people born today expected to develop the condition. Our survey reveals that people recognise the need for increased support for people affected but don’t know how they can help.

“Loneliness at Christmas is a painful reality for many, especially those affected by dementia. It will take a society to beat dementia and, with your support, we can be here for more people affected by dementia with our lifechanging support services when they need us most.”

Andrew & Steph’s story:

Andrew Scholes from Kent cares for his wife, Steph who, at the age of 65 has young onset dementia - diagnosed three and a half years ago. Andrew says that Christmas can bring additional pressure when someone you love is living with dementia.

He said: “Christmas can be a lot of extra work as you’re trying to do everything as well as attempting to keep up a sense of tradition for other members of the family. I’m really the lynchpin in our family now – I do everything, but I also want to be able to put on a good family meal on the day. Last year we went overseas on holiday to meet up with our children and we had a really nice time in a place that was totally different from home. We wanted to do that while it was still possible.”

Andrew says that Steph now relies on her Mum to help her with things like her hair and nails; “which isn’t something any of us would have anticipated at such a young age. We’d still like Steph to look nice for Christmas and I’m going to do my best to put on a good show and create a Christmassy atmosphere in the house. It affects us all, but it’s important to keep up that sense of family despite everything.”

And as the couple head into the New Year they’re hoping to keep active; “We’re going to try Singing for the Brain in the new year as music and lyrics are a real passion for Steph.”

To donate to Alzheimer’s Society’s Reimagine Christmas appeal or find out more, visit alzheimers.org.uk/Christmas

If you are worried about yourself, a loved one or neighbour with dementia, please contact Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.